MASCC clinical practice statement: Prevention and management of acute radiation dermatitis using topical corticosteroids.

PURPOSE: A MASCC Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) serves as a brief, practical, clinician-oriented tool that highlights essential information for managing complications from anti-cancer treatments in cancer patients. This CPS provides guidance on the use of topical corticosteroids (TC) in the prevention and management of acute radiation dermatitis (ARD).

METHODS

This CPS was developed based on a critical evaluation of the literature identified through a search in MEDLINE till November 23, 2025, followed by a structured discussion of a group of experts of the MASCC Oncodermatology Study Group. The information is summarised in concise bullet points to create a brief manual on optimal standard care practices.

RESULTS

Recommendations were provided regarding patient selection criteria for TC in the prevention and management of ARD. Guidance was also presented on the optimal choice of TC, its timing, schedule, application details, and monitoring of clinical effects to achieve the best outcomes based on existing literature.

CONCLUSION

TCs are recommended for the prevention of ARD in selected patients with head and neck and breast cancers at a high risk of ARD. TC is also a treatment option for the management of patients with early ARD without evidence of moist desquamation. Medium potency TCs, such as mometasone furoate 0.1% cream, are preferred. Healthcare professionals should monitor patients' skin weekly during radiation and guide steroid use, discontinuing it if moist desquamation or other complications arise.